How Long to Wait Before Neck Lift Revision?

Question

I had a neck lift 3 weeks ago and under my chin is more wrinkled then before and I have hard lumps that I can see and feel. I had lipo and the muscle repaired, It's not right I can tell and every time I look in the mirror I hate what I see I work in a salon. I just want it fixed, how long of a wait?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to read of your concern. It may be too soon to determine if a revision is necessary. Though recovery from a surgical #necklift varies from person to person, patients are generally presentable within three weeks from surgery. Generally, it will take approximately 7-10 days for the early healing in which many patients feel comfortable being in public at this stage. Most #bruising is low on the neck and may easily be covered by clothing. Also, wearing a #compression garment may be suggested the first week and then nightly for up to six weeks.
The #incision scars from a necklift can typically be hidden well and are not located within eye level to be immediately noticed. These #scars “mature” within six to twelve months from the surgery date. The term mature implies they will soften and fade away. During this time, the rejuvenating effects of the necklift will become most obvious and the neck feels the most normal (ex. little discomfort, soft, normal sensation, no more post-op firmness). Following this stage, the true restorative effects of your necklift result will be apparent. 
If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I will waist at least 6 months before considering any revision. If you are only 3 weeks after surgery your neck is going to change considerable in the next 3 months at least. Be in contact with your surgeon.

Sarmela Sunder, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual to have swelling, lumps and bumps this early on after surgery. I would continue to observe and let your surgeon know your concerns. With your surgeon’s permission, you can gently massage under the chin to help soften the lumps, but they generally resolve on their own. Make sure that you let your surgeon that you are concerned about this, so that he/she may advise you accordingly. Good luck!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, revisions to plastic surgery procedures should take place 12 months from the date of the initial procedure.  While this may differ from patient to patient, 12 months allows for lumps and bumps to improve significantly.  It is important that you maintain regular communication with your surgeon's office and remain compliant with post op appointments and instructions.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Three weeks is early after neck lift surgery to have further procedures performed. As plastic surgeons have already stated, generally time is the best option as the skin and tissues continue to tighten and improve over the next several months after neck lift surgery. Neck massage may help. Speak with your face lift plastic surgeon to help determine appropriate options for you.

Kevin M. Robertson, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not uncommon to have focal areas of swelling, thickening, or muscle spasm 3 weeks after surgery. They are all issues that will improve with just patience. I would also encourage you to wait 6 months before any revision surgery. Nothing to add in the meantime except massage.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, it may take at least 3-6 months for the tightness to go away. I would not use steroid injections on this as it will "dissolve" fat. You may need fat injections if too much fat was removed. Get a second opinion from a very experienced facelift surgeon.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

You may find continued improvement with tightening for six months after the surgery. See your surgeon to see what they say about timing for revision but you shouldn't do anything until this surgery has had a chance to develop into the mature result that it eventually will.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

What you see after 3 weeks will change quite a lot over the next months. It may still leave you unhappy with the result. I recommend to wait a minimum of 9 months before a good secondary surgery should be performed. Healing will take at least that long and it is not in your best interest to rush into this too early.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This appearance is very common 3 weeks after surgery. It will improve. IF you remain dissatisfied, you should wait at least 3-4 months to allow tissues to soften and mature prior to any revision. Proceeding prior to that will likely only cause more problems than it will solve.

How Long to Wait Before Neck Lift Revision?

Answers (18)

More Neck Lift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (18)

More Neck Lift Questions

When Will I See Results After a Neck Lift?

Any Benefits from "Neckline Slimmer"?

Deep Neck Lines and Folds. (photo)

How Long Does a Neck Lift Last?

Turkey Neck Procedure for Diabetics and Under Local Anesthesia?

Successful Neck Lift Results for Keloid Prone Skin?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS